Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 17, 2016
Contact:
Harmful Algal Bloom Occurring at York River State Park
Public advised to avoid water contact, Woodstock Pond is closed
RICHMOND — York River State Park in James City County is experiencing an algal bloom in Woodstock Pond. The pond is closed until algae levels return to acceptable levels.
The algal bloom of Microcystis aeruginosa is a blue-green algae that produces a toxin that can cause rashes and other illnesses.
People and pets are prohibited from entering the water.
Algal blooms occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. The algae become so abundant that they can turn the water green and produce a toxin. Microcystin, one of the types of algae toxins, can develop in green clumps, appearing like thick, green paint on the water surface.
Park staff will continue to monitor water quality in the pond. The pond will reopen following a minimum of two consecutive weeks of acceptable levels of algal cell counts and toxin concentration. For more information on acceptable algal levels, see the linked VDH Microcystin guidance document, below.
To prevent illness, people should:
If you or your animals experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, malaise, or rash, after swimming in or near an algal bloom, seek medical or veterinarian care.
For more information, contact the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 888-238-6154 or visit:
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/harmful-algal-blooms-habs/
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Addition information is available at:
http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2016/02/VDHMicrocystisGuidance.pdf
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